Autonomous Systems Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

Job Summary

The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly-trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.  

The Vehicle Autonomy and System Trust (VAST) Department, within VSD, is the focal point for advanced autonomy research and engineering at Aerospace.  The department’s broad portfolio supports space and launch vehicles and engages in all areas of autonomy, including the application of artificial intelligence integration into physical systems.  

Our growing team is seeking an Autonomous Systems Engineer (Member of the Technical Staff/ Senior Member of Technical Staff - Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning) to advance autonomy research & development and provide direct support to space systems incorporating AI into the next generation of highly autonomous space vehicles.   

Work Model 

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA, offering a hybrid work model that combines (3) regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow. 

What You’ll Be Doing  

• Provide technical contributions to advanced autonomy research and direct program support on a variety of vehicles 

• Help to execute analytical and testing capabilities to meet the needs of highly autonomous systems   

• Work closely with senior staff to help customers to identify their autonomy needs and foster lasting relationships that support the entire design and operational life cycle of critical space systems   

• Establish Vehicle Autonomy and System Trust subject matter expertise by applying relevant engineering and analytical skills   

• Provide direct technical support to a variety of space programs with a focus on autonomy, modeling, simulation, and analysis   

• Support ongoing research into Hardware-in-the-Loop development for testing satellite systems, especially those incorporating artificial intelligence into their architecture   

What You Need to be Successful  

Minimum Requirements for the Autonomous Systems Engineer (Member of the Technical Staff:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a STEM field is required

• A minimum of (2) years of applicable professional or educational experience is required   

• Experience with both mechanically oriented engineering principals and software or electronics  

• Experience with at least one traditional spacecraft discipline, dynamics, control, or artificial intelligence   

• Experience with technical teams to solve complex problems and identify analytical or testing verification processes   

• Background in autonomous systems or robotics  

• Sound communication skills with an ability to explain complex technical issues, activities, architectures and designs, and operations to staff and customers with limited engineering background   

• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.  

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Autonomous Systems Engineer (Senior Member of the Technical Staff):

• A minimum of (5) years of relevant autonomy and/or artificial intelligence research culminating in journal or conference publications is required

How You Can Stand Out  

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: 

• Advanced degree with a research focus in autonomous systems, artificial intelligences, or controls is strongly desired

• Autonomous vehicle simulation and test experience  is preferred

• Experience with hardware-software interfacing and communications, or embedded systems  is desired 

• Prior technical leadership experience or willingness to grow into such a role  is preferred

• A current and active TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government is strongly preferred. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills. 

(Min - Max)

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.